IT202100010355A1 - CONTAINER FOR BATTERIES - Google Patents

Description

CONTAINER FOR BATTERIES

The present invention relates to a container for batteries.

Pi? precisely, the present invention relates to a container for the transport of defective or damaged lithium batteries, in critical conditions.

In particular, the present invention relates to a container for lithium ion cells, modules and batteries used both for traction and for storage systems.

In accordance with what reported by the European Commission in the Impact Assessment Report, accompanying the Proposal for a Regulation on Batteries (Impact Assessment Report Accompanying the document Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning batteries and waste batteries, repealing Directive 2006 /66/EC and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020), will the transition to a low-carbon economy lead? to an exponential increase in the demand for batteries.

In particular, according to estimates by the World Economic Forum and the Global Batteries Alliance, the global demand for batteries ? expected to increase 14-fold by 2030 compared to 2018 levels, mainly driven by the growth of the electric vehicle market (443 GWh Europe forecast for 2030, equal to 17% of global demand, as for example reported in the Joint Research Report Center; Tsiropoulos, Li-ion batteries for mobility and stationary storage applications, EUR 29440 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2018, ISBN 978-92-79-97254-6, doi:10.2760/87175, JRC113360).

Europe's positioning on mobility? electricity is becoming more and more? ambitious: the objective of the Commission ? to increase competitiveness? in the battery sector, through the construction of strategic value chains able to increase the autonomy of the EU, with the possibility in the next few years to configure itself as an industrial leader. It is estimated that by 2030, the EU will become not only the second largest market globally, but also the second largest producer after China.

In this context, the strategic orientation adopted by the Commission is expressed through the synergistic interaction of multiple approaches and actions that aim to increase the activities? of research and innovation, paying particular attention to the management of the end of life of the batteries in safe conditions. It is in fact lithium-ion batteries, whose main characteristics are the high energy and density? of power, which make this storage technology very versatile, but at the same time require special attention during handling, transport and storage. These batteries present different categories of risk: electrical, chemical, thermal, and also the risk associated with the release of kinetic energy in the event of an explosion.

The risks are mainly related to deviations from normal operating conditions (e.g. thermal abuse: external heating; electrical abuse: overload, over-voltage, over-discharge; mechanical abuse: crushing or penetration), which determine a state of ?criticality? or ?damage? of the lithium battery, and consequently its early end of life. In such conditions, transport and storage present difficulties? in terms of safety and their management must follow the ADR regulation (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) which regulates the transport of dangerous goods.

Most deviations from normal operating conditions produce an increase in internal temperature which:

- influences the kinetics of the chemical reactions that normally take place inside a cell, determines changes of state (evaporation of organic solvents); and/or

- triggers unwanted chemical reactions (decomposition, synthesis, substitution, etc.), up to the worst case identified as ?thermal runaway?.

Thermal runaway? an unstoppable reaction during which exothermic and autocatalytic chemical reactions occur, with the formation of low molecular weight chemical products, the greater volume of which causes an uncontrolled increase in pressure: the result is a sudden increase in stored energy, with catastrophic breakage of the cell (explosion) and release of flammable gaseous products (CO, CO2, CH4, H2, etc.) and toxic products (HF and the possible formation of volatile metal-organic compounds. The explosion also involves the projection of metal fragments at considerable distances and , in the case of cylindrical cells, constitutes a real ?projectile effect?.

Deviation from normal operating conditions can? occur throughout the entire life cycle of the battery; the growing number of electric vehicles that ? been estimated for the next few years, therefore determines the need? that we have a suitable solution for transporting such batteries in critical condition.

In light of the above ? obvious need? to safely remove and transport batteries in critical condition.

In order to satisfy this need, insulated and approved metal containers have been proposed for the transport of lithium batteries under the ADR regime.

These containers usually have a standard structure, being constituted by a container compartment and a relative lid hinged on the container compartment itself.

However, the solutions represented by a standard structure consisting of a compartment and a hinged lid are limiting for the activities? loading and unloading, as the? accessibility? ? permitted from the upper side only. In order to be housed inside these containers, in the specific case of lithium ion batteries from electric cars, which can weigh more than 700 kg, they must therefore be lifted to a height greater than the upper limit of the container , to then be placed inside the container compartment. Subsequently, the? operator will have to? secure the battery with straps to be placed and fixed inside the container compartment, which requires the operator to lean out to access the inside of the container to complete these operations.

Furthermore, containers of the standard type are not suitable for possible operations of rapid unloading of the contents by overturning, since the structure of the container itself would be damaged due to the weight of the contained battery.

The limiting factors mentioned above also lead to an increase in the timing of the loading and unloading phases, consequently increasing the risks associated with these operations, which add up to the criticalities linked to the condition already? battery unstable.

In fact, defective or damaged lithium-ion batteries have a high instability, therefore their danger? can? increase over time, but above all with the continuation of the loading and securing phases.

In light of the above, therefore the object of the present invention is to provide a container for batteries which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

In particular, the purpose of the present invention ? that of providing a container, especially for large lithium batteries, such as batteries for traction of electric vehicles, which allows to facilitate and speed up the operations of loading and securing the battery itself.

Furthermore, the purpose of the present invention ? that of increasing the safety of the operator engaged in the phases of loading the battery and/or anchoring the battery and/or in the phases of unloading and/or in the phases of inspection of the state of the battery.

Another purpose of the present invention ? that this container has a high level of mechanical strength, in order to protect the battery inside from possible knocks and/or falls.

Again, the object of the present invention ? that this container provides adequate thermal insulation, so as to prevent the propagation of temperature in the event of a thermal runaway.

Furthermore, the purpose of the present invention ? that this container is easily transportable.

Another purpose of the present invention? that of providing a container in which batteries in critical condition can be placed and stored safely even during the quarantine period.

Finally, the purpose of the present invention ? that this container is easy to make, safe and reliable.

These and other objects have been achieved thanks to a container comprising a substantially flat base and a "bell-shaped" lid which can be closed on the base, so that a battery can be easily loaded on all sides of the base.

? therefore object of the present invention is a container for packaging and transporting at least one battery, in particular lithium batteries used for traction and/or for accumulation systems that are defective or damaged or in critical condition, comprising:

a base, substantially flat in shape, comprising a support surface for said at least one battery;

a lid, substantially box-shaped or bell-shaped, which can be closed on said base, comprising side walls, substantially orthogonal to said support surface and having a shape and dimensions such as to abut with a respective edge of said base so as to form a housing for dictates at least one battery; And

coupling means for coupling said base with said lid.

In particular, according to the invention said container can comprising anchoring means fixed on said base for anchoring, in use, bars and/or straps to said base, so to divide the space of said support surface and secure said at least one battery on said support surface. Said anchoring means can for example comprise a toothed bar fixed on the entire perimeter of said base.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said container can comprising insulation means for thermal insulation of said battery housing with the outside. In particular, said insulating means can comprise insulating containment walls which can be removably coupled to said toothed bar so as to form a cavity with said lateral walls. In this case, according to the invention, each insulating retaining wall can comprising a lower portion, made of sheet metal, and configured to engage said toothed bar and an upper portion, made of flexible material, being preferably made of self-extinguishing glass fabric.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said means of thermal insulation can comprise vermiculite and/or a multilayer element comprising a central layer of ceramic material coated with silica, preferably silica treated with vermiculite, arranged inside said housing.

Always according to the invention, said device can comprising gripping means for gripping and transporting said container, in particular housings for lifting forks and/or slots for crane straps.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said container can comprising an interlocking system, for inserting the base of a first container onto a lid of a second container, so as to stack said first container on said second container.

Again, according to the invention, at least one side wall of said lid can comprising a filter for filtering any gases coming out of said coil and/or an opening which can be closed by means of a cap, for inserting a probe, in particular a temperature probe.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said coupling means can comprise a plurality of of portions protruding from said base and hooks fixed on said side walls of said lid and connectable to said plurality of said protruding portions. Preferably, said coupling means can comprise ten protruding portions and respective hooks.

Finally, according to the invention, said base and/or said lid can be made of metal material coated with a layer of insulating and fireproof material in correspondence with said housing.

The invention will come now described for illustrative but non-limiting purposes, with particular reference to the drawings of the attached figures, in which: figure 1 shows an isometric view of a container for batteries according to the present invention comprising a base and a lid coupled to the base by means of hooks closing;

figure 2 shows a perspective view of the container of figure 1, from a different angle; figure 3 shows a front view (long side) of the container of figure 1;

figure 4 shows a perspective view of the base of the container of figure 1;

figure 5 shows a front view (long side) of the base of figure 4;

figure 6 shows a top view of the base of figure 4 and of a cutting plane CC?;

Figure 7 shows a front sectional view along the cutting plane CC? of the base of figure 6, in which ? highlighted a detail D;

figure 8 shows a front view of the detail D of figure 7;

figure 9 shows a further enlargement of the detail of figure 8;

figure 10 shows a front perspective view of the base of figure 4 at which ? coupled with an insulating containment wall, or parental element, for thermal insulation of the coils;

figure 11 shows a side perspective view of the base of figure 10 at which ? the insulating retaining wall coupled;

Figure 12 shows a front view (long side) of a group of containers comprising a plurality of containers according to the present invention stacked on top of each other;

figure 13 shows a perspective view of a detail of the group of containers of figure 12;

figure 14 shows an isometric view of a closing hook of the container of figure 1;

figure 15 shows a side view of the closing hook of figure 14;

figure 16 shows a top view of the closing hook of figure 14;

figure 17 shows a perspective view of a first version of the container according to the present invention;

figure 18 shows a perspective view of a first variant of the insulating containment wall of figure 10;

figure 19 shows a perspective view of a second variant of the insulating containment wall of figure 10;

figure 20 shows a perspective view of a first phase of a mechanical drop test, to verify the solidity? structure of the container of figure 17;

Figure 21 shows a perspective view of the result of the mechanical drop test for the first version of the container of Figure 17;

figure 22 shows a perspective view of the result of the mechanical drop test for the container of figure 1;

figure 23 shows a perspective view of a first phase of a fire test of the battery to verify the behavior of the container of figure 1; And

figure 24 shows a perspective view of a second phase of a battery fire test to verify the behavior of the container of figure 1.

With particular reference to figures 1? 13, will come now described a container for batteries according to the present invention, to which it will come? assigned the reference number 1.

This container 1 ? designed to contain and transport large batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, and especially when these batteries are in a critical condition, i.e. when they are damaged or defective.

In particular, container 1 ? was designed and manufactured in accordance with the provisions of the special packaging provisions P911 of the ADR Regulation.

Container 1? in fact, made for the containment of one or more? damaged lithium batteries, and ? designed to control heat, fumes and gases that may be released in the event of a thermal break.

The container 1 (shown in figures 1 - 3 and 12, 13) comprises a base 2, or platform 2, of a flat shape, i.e. of a substantially flattened parallelepiped shape, on which to house the battery, and a box-shaped lid 3, or bell-shaped, which can be coupled to the base 2 by means of coupling means 22, 4.

The container 1 also comprises anchoring means 5, fixed on the base 2, to secure the batteries by means of straps and/or bars 7, as better illustrated below.

Finally, the container 1 comprises insulating means 6, as better illustrated below.

In particular, the base 2 (shown in figures 4 - 9) comprises a support surface 20, for supporting and housing at least one battery. This support surface 20 ? placed at a distance from the ground preferably less than 30cm, in order to facilitate battery loading/unloading operations.

The base 2? made of metal material including a cavity inside which? positioned insulating and fireproof material, in particular a ceramic fiber fabric, as shown in detail in figure 8. On it? furthermore rests a cushion 8 of fireproof material on which the battery is positioned, as better illustrated hereinafter.

Thanks to the particular shape of the base 2, ? possible to speed up the battery loading and unloading operations, as ? loading is permitted on all four sides of the base 2.

Furthermore, ? it is sufficient to lift the battery to a height of about 30 cm from the ground to proceed with housing the battery on the base 2, making the loading and/or unloading operation easier. simple and easy.

Furthermore, after the battery ? been housed on the support surface 20, pu? be advantageously handled in a non-confined environment, for example to check its conditions and possibly be made safe (as better illustrated below).

This configuration therefore makes it possible to avoid a confined environment for the operator involved in the battery loading and safety phases.

In addition, this open configuration allows the battery to be inspected in its entirety without the need to inspect the entire battery. to move it and favors an?accessibility? simple and complete of? the operator that will be able? do all the activities safety, avoiding to operate in confined spaces. There? guarantees an important reduction of the risk for the operator, above all if one considers the state of criticality? of the batteries that will be transported. The configuration of the base 2 also allows quick unloading in case of need. (e.g. fire) by overturning.

Finally, since base 2? in metallic material allows to obtain excellent properties? fireproof.

The base 2 also comprises first gripping means 21, to facilitate gripping and transport of the container 1 by machines, such as for example transpallets or forklifts. In particular, the first gripping means 21 shown in figures 1-3 are housings 21 obtained in the base 2, to facilitate the insertion of lifting forks, such as the forks present on transpallets or forklifts.

The lid 3, as mentioned, has a box or bell shape, such as to cover the base 2 and form the container 1.

In particular, the lid 3 substantially has the shape of a hollow rectangular parallelepiped comprising an upper wall 30, substantially parallel to the support surface 20 and four side walls 31, of such a shape and size as to abut with a respective edge of the base 2 , so as to form container 1.

The lid 3 ? made of metallic material with the internal surfaces covered (in particular padded) with a layer of insulated and fireproof material.

Advantageously, the fact of making the lid in metallic material allows excellent properties to be obtained. fireproof.

With the innovative design that includes a bell-shaped lid 3, it aims to guarantee maximum levels of safety not only during transport and storage/quarantine, but also during the phases of loading/unloading and inspection/testing of the battery. In fact, during these phases, the operator must necessarily come into contact with the battery (e.g. fixing the straps for handling, inspection, any tests to evaluate the conditions), so ? it is essential to ensure adequate maneuvering space.

Furthermore, the lid 3 comprises second gripping means 32, 33, for gripping and transporting the container 1 by machines, such as for example transpallets, forklifts and/or cranes.

The figures show housings 32 arranged in correspondence with the upper wall 30, for inserting forks, and four slots 33 obtained at the four corners of the upper wall 30, for inserting belts.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the arrangement of the second gripping means 32, 33 may be different from the one described, for example since only the housings 32 or the slots 33 are present.

The presence of first gripping means 21 and/or second gripping means 32, 33 allow the advantageous lifting of the container 2 starting from all its sides and with an anti-overturning function.

The cover 3 also comprises four angular brackets 34 arranged at each corner of the joint between the side walls 31, so as to reinforce these joints.

In particular, in the embodiment shown, the slots 33 are formed at the end? top 341 of each angular bracket 34, so as to make the gripping of the container 1 by means of belts more safe.

With the expression ?extremity? superior? 341 of the angular bracket 34 in fact means the end? of the angular bracket 34 arranged in correspondence with the upper wall 30 of the lid 3.

Furthermore, the base 2 and the lid 3 can comprise an interlocking system, for example consisting of special recesses and protrusions on both elements, such as to allow for stacking more than one element. containers 1 on top of each other.

Specifically, figures 12 and 13 show that the angular brackets 34 are shaped in such a way as to cover, in use, the corners of the base 2, thus that their extremities? lower 340 go into contact with the ground, while the extremities? tops 341 of the angular brackets 34 form an abutment element for the respective ends? bottom 340 of another container 1.

With reference to figures 2 and 3, the lid 3 also comprises a cavity, formed on a side wall 31, inside which inserted a filter 35, in particular an activated carbon filter 35, sized on the basis of the fumes and gases which can be generated in the event of a thermal runaway. Preferably, the filter 35 comprises an adequate quantity of activated carbons, for the reasons illustrated below.

Furthermore, a side wall 31 of the lid 3 comprises a hole 36, which can be closed by means of a suitable cap.

Thanks to this configuration, the inside of container 1 is easily inspected by probe or thermometer.

Both the filter 35 and the hole 36 are arranged on one of the side walls 31 of the lid 3 having a larger side. In fact, the filter 35 pu? be advantageously positioned in a position as pi? possible? barycentric? on the side wall 31 having a larger side, to guarantee a better filtering function of the potentially generated fumes.

The coupling means 22, 4, for coupling the lid 3 to the base 2, comprise a plurality of of protruding portions 22 from the base 2 and hooks 4 fixed to the lid 3 and which can be coupled to a respective protruding portion 22.

In particular, the hooks 4 are hooks with lever closure, which join and lock with respective teeth 22 which protrude from the edges of the base 2.

The use of the hooks 4 makes it possible to create a stable and safe coupling.

In the embodiment shown there are ten steel hooks 4, three on each long side and two on each short side.

The 4 hooks are all lever lock hooks. Specifically, as shown in Figures 14 ? 16, each hook 4 comprises a body 40, substantially rectangular in shape, and a head 41, connected to the body 40 and which can be coupled to the protruding portion 22, having a greater width than the body 40.

In the case shown, the head 41 ? formed by a rectangular section ring which engages on the tooth 22 protruding from the base 2.

The number and sizing of the hooks 4 have been specifically calculated taking into account the maximum overpressures that can be generated in the event of thermal runaway.

However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), other coupling means can be used, even in different numbers and sizes.

With reference to figures 4 - 9, the anchoring means 5 of the container 1 comprise a toothed bar 5, or rack 5, used for securing the batteries by means of fastening with belts and/or bars 7, so as to confine each battery in a predetermined space of the container 1.

In particular, rack 5 ? fixed on the base 2 so as to cover the entire perimeter of the base itself.

Furthermore, rack 5 can? understand a plurality of belt-passing slots, for a customization of the fastening according to the particular needs of the operator.

The flat shape of the base 2 in combination with the presence of the anchoring means 5 advantageously allows the battery to be secured by means of straps and/or bars 7 in an unconfined environment, thus increasing the safety of the operator.

Thanks to the rack 5 and to this securing of the batteries by means of belts and/or bars 7, the same container 1 can be advantageously used for the safe housing and transport of batteries of different shapes and sizes and/or for housing and transporting multiple batteries. batteries at the same time.

Therefore, container 1 can? allow a reconfiguration of the internal spaces of the base 2, for example to accommodate small size batteries.

The insulating means 6 shown in figures 10 and 11 comprise insulating containment walls 60, which are mounted on the rack 5, and are shaped in such a way as to cover the respective side wall 32 of the container 3, so as to form a cavity.

Inside the cavity of the side walls can? fireproof material should be inserted, in particular a ceramic fiber fabric.

The insulating containment walls 60 comprise a lower portion 600, made of sheet metal, which engages on the rack 5 following the profile of the base 2, and an upper portion 601, made of self-extinguishing glass fabric.

The upper portion 601 can? be fixed to the lower portion 600 by metal clips. This solution makes it possible not to damage the lid 3 during the closing phase.

The coupling between the lower portion 600 and the rack 5 can? instead take place by means of special magnetic elements.

Inside the container 1 can? be inserted a thermally insulating material in loose form, such as vermiculite, which will go? in contact with an antistatic bag inside which ? contained the coil and the insulating containment wall.

The presence of the insulating containment walls 60 offers an additional safety condition, as it forms a further separation surface between the group of battery elements/antistatic bag/vermiculite and the side wall 31 of the container 1. This configuration therefore prevents the propagation of temperature towards the side walls 31 in case of thermal runaway. This constructive feature represents an advantage not only during the transport phase, but also during the storage/quarantine phase of the battery.

In particular, the container 1 provides for the presence of two insulating cushions 8, a first insulating cushion arranged on the support surface 20 of the base 2 and a second insulating cushion (not shown) arranged above the battery.

These insulating cushions 8 can consist, for example, of a multilayer element comprising a central ceramic layer, or ceramic mat, preferably made of bio-soluble ceramic resistant up to 1260°C, covered with a further layer, or ?lining ?, in silica fabric, preferably silica treated with vermiculite, pi? preferably silica having a density? equal to 600 g/m².

These insulating cushions 8 preferably have different dimensions from each other, in which the second insulating cushion can? be larger than the first insulating cushion 8 and pu? have a thickness of about 10cm being placed, in use, above the battery, so as to provide a further thermally insulating layer between the battery and the container 1.

In parallel, the first insulating cushion can? have smaller dimensions than the second insulating cushion, being able to have a thickness of about 2cm, being placed below the battery, on the base 2 of the container. The two insulating cushions 8, in addition to thermally insulating the coil, act as absorbent material in the event of a possible liquid spill (e.g. coil cooling system) and absorb fumes and gases in the event of a fire, providing valid support for the management of fumes already in use. before the activated carbon filter.

In any case, the mere presence of the insulating containment walls 60 constitutes an advantageous separation surface between the group of battery elements/antistatic bag/vermiculite and the wall of the container, thus fulfilling a further thermal insulation function.

With reference now to figures 17-19, alternative embodiments of the container 1 just described are illustrated.

In particular, in figure 17 ? shown is a container 100 according to the present invention, which has the same characteristics as the container 1 just described, except for the fact that the slots 33 obtained on the angular brackets 34 are replaced by rings 330, or eyebolts 330, fixed to the four corners of the upper wall 30 of cover 3.

However, is this embodiment less resistant to shocks than the container 1 of figure 1? 13, since the rings 330 can penetrate inside the walls of the container 1 following impacts, as shown in figure 21.

In figure 18 ? on the other hand, a container 101 is shown in which the insulating walls 600 consist of a single sheet. However, this embodiment has the drawback of being able to tear the internal padding of the lid during the closing step. For this reason, each insulating wall ? preferably made of the two materials described.

In figure 19 ? finally shown a further embodiment of container 102, comprising insulating containment walls 601 made of a single material of the semi-rigid and fireproof type, ie a silicon sandwich covered with fireproof fabric treated with vermiculite. In both of these last two embodiments, the risks of damaging the internal padding of the lid 3 are minimized.

With particular reference to figures 20 ? 24 two separate pre-qualification tests are shown to verify the reliability? of container 1 just described.

In particular, the prequalification tests of figures 20 - 22 were performed by dropping the container 1 or 100 on the base 2, on the lid 3, both on the side walls 31 with the long sides and on the side walls 31 with the short sides, and on the corners, from a height of 180 cm from the ground (as shown in figure 20).

These tests were performed by inserting a wooden box with weights inside to simulate the behavior of the battery in container 1 or 100.

At the end of the tests ? it was possible to verify that:

- container 1 or 100 had remained closed and transportable;

- the wooden box inside the container 1 or 100 has not suffered any significant damage;

- did a first drop test on the edges highlight some critical points? related to the presence of the rings 330 of the container 100, which have caused a recess on the side wall, but not such as to interfere with the internal space in which the battery is housed (as shown in figure 21);

- in the case of container 1 with slots 33 instead of rings 330, the corner of the container is ? bent on the external frame acting as a bumper and did not create any deformation of the structure (as shown in figure 22).

As regards the external elements, such as the gas filter 35 and the hooks 4 for closing the container, these have been specifically designed in order to pass prequalification tests with fire tests.

The gases released by a lithium battery fire exceed 700? acted on two fronts:

i) design and construction of a gas filtering system consisting of a steel casing containing 3.5 kg of activated carbon;

ii) design and construction of insulating cushions in filtering material to be arranged in the interspace between the insulating containment wall 60 and the side wall 31, plus? the further insulating cushions 8 to be arranged above and below the battery, so as to allow a reduction of the gas temperatures already? before getting to the activated carbon filter.

The execution of prequalification tests through fire tests has also highlighted the need for to have a sufficient number of hooks to ensure the closure of the container at high temperatures and at the same time guarantee a coupling able to dampen any internal overpressure.

The battery container just described has the following advantages.

Thanks to the configuration with a substantially flat base and a ?bell-shaped? lid, which can be closed on the base ? it is sufficient to lift the battery to a height of about 30 cm from the support surface of the base, to proceed with housing the battery in the base of the container, making the loading operation easier. simple and easy.

This configuration with the base open on all four sides also makes it possible to avoid a confined environment for the operator engaged in the phases of loading and anchoring the battery through the use of bars 7 and straps.

Additionally, the four-sided open base configuration allows you to inspect the coil in its entirety without the need to inspect the battery. to move it and favors an?accessibility? simple and complete of? the operator that will be able? do all the activities avoiding to operate in confined spaces.

This structural feature guarantees an important reduction in risk for the operator, above all if one considers the state of criticality? of the batteries that will be transported.

The configuration of the base also allows quick unloading in case of need. (fire) by overturning.

All the elements of the container can furthermore comprise gripping means, so that once the loading has been completed, the container can be gripped on the four sides by transpallets or forklifts, or lifted with a crane.

Finally, the container can? comprising an insulating containment wall, or wall element, which offers additional safety conditions, as it constitutes a further separation surface between the group of battery elements/antistatic bag/vermiculite and the wall of the container. In fact, the wall element mounted on the rack for the whole useful internal height of the container creates a barrier for the confinement of the vermiculite which at the same time prevents the propagation of the temperature towards the side walls in case of thermal escape. This constructive feature represents an advantage not only during the transport phase, but also during the storage/quarantine phase of the battery.

In the foregoing the preferred embodiments have been described and variations of the present invention have been suggested, but ? to be understood that the experts of the branch will be able to make modifications and changes without with what? leave its scope of protection, as defined by the attached claims.

Claims (12)

1. Container (1) for packing and transporting at least one battery, in particular lithium batteries used for traction and/or for accumulation systems that are defective or damaged or in critical condition, including: a substantially flat base (2) comprising a support surface (20) for said at least one battery; a lid (3), substantially box-shaped or bell-shaped, which can be closed on said base (2), comprising side walls (31), substantially orthogonal to said support surface (20) and having such shape and dimensions as to abut with a respective edge of said base (2) so as to form a housing for said at least one battery; And coupling means (22, 4) for coupling said base (2) with said lid (3). 2. Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises anchoring means (5) fixed to said base (2) for anchoring, in use, bars (7) and/or belts to said base ( 2), what? to divide the space of said support surface (20) and secure said at least one battery on said support surface (20). 3. Container (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said anchoring means (5) comprise a toothed bar (5) fixed along the entire perimeter of said base (2). 4. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises insulation means (6) for thermal insulation of said battery housing from the outside. 5. Container (1) according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said insulating means (6) comprise insulating containment walls (60) which can be removably coupled to said toothed bar (5) so as to form a cavity with called side walls (31). 6. Container (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each insulating containment wall (60) comprises a lower portion (600), made of sheet metal, and configured to engage said toothed bar (5) and a top (601), made of flexible material, being preferably made of self-extinguishing glass fabric. 7. Container (1) according to any one of claims 4 - 6, characterized in that said thermal insulation means (6) comprise vermiculite and/or a multilayer element comprising a central layer of ceramic material coated with silica, preferably silica treated with vermiculite, arranged inside said housing. 8. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises gripping means (21, 32, 33) for gripping and transporting said container (1), in particular housings (21, 32) for lifting forks and/or eyelets (33) for crane straps. 9. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an interlocking system for inserting the base (2) of a first container (1) onto a lid (3) of a second container (1) , so as to stack said first container (1) on said second container (1). 10. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one side wall (31) of said lid comprises a filter (35) for filtering any gases coming out of said battery and/or an opening (36 ) resealable by means of a cap, for inserting a probe, in particular a temperature probe. 11. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said coupling means (22,4) comprise a plurality of of protruding portions (22) from said base (2) and hooks (4) fixed on said side walls (31) of said cover (3) and which can be coupled to said plurality of said protruding portions (22), preferably comprising ten protruding portions (22) and respective hooks (4). 12. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base (2) and/or said lid (3) are made of metallic material coated with a layer of insulating and fireproof material in correspondence with said housing.